Group AAlgeria - Mourad MeghniFew French-born playmakers have not been likened to Zinedine Zidane, but in this case the comparison is helpful. The 25-year-old attended France’s Clairefontaine academy at the same time as Sébastien Bassong and Abou Diaby. A shrewd user of the ball

Group AMali - Abdou TraoreAnother graduate from the prolific academy at Bordeaux, Traore has emerged as a highly promising attacking midfielder in Laurent Blanc’s all-conquering team. At 21, the midfielder is still developing but his form has reportedly attracted Pep Guardiola’s attentions at Barcelona.

Group AAngola - ManuchoSomething of a curio after his brief and unsuccessful spell at Manchester United – three appearances and half a season on loan at Hull – but you could see what Sir Alex was getting at. Now with Valladolid in La Liga, the striker has been short of goals but can still be a handful

Group AMalawi - Swadick SanudiIf for little other reason than the fact he is likely to be kept busy in Angola, Sanudi, the Malawi goalkeeper, should catch the eye. Sanudi, who plies his trade in South Africa with the Dynamos, fell out with Malawi’s then manager Stephen Constantine in 2007, but has returned to the international fold and is now the undoubted first choice.

Group BGhana - Dominic Adiyiah Signed last month by Milan after emerging from Feyenoord’s Ghanaian academy and being “parked” in Norway, the striker was top scorer and voted best player at last year’s Under-20 World Cup. Could bring a cutting edge to a Ghana side traditionally built on physical power.

Group BIvory Coast - GervinhoThe Lille striker leads the Ligue 1 scoring lists with 11 goals. May struggle to start with Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou already in the side but, as Gervais Yao Kouassi’s flashy Brazilian pseudonym suggests, he has the pace and skill to threaten any defence.

Group BBurkina Faso - Bakary KoneAt just 21, the defender is showing promise in France’s Ligue 2 with Guingamp. At 6ft 2in, he does not lack physical presence but the collective strikeforces of Burkina Faso’s Group B rivals will provide a daunting challenge.

Group C Egypt - Shikabala The Zamalek playmaker continues to pull the strings for one of Egypt’s premier teams despite enduring a somewhat rocky season by his standards. His qualities have not gone unnoticed with Napoli reportedly interested in taking him to Serie A, and at 23 he could add to his growing reputation in Angola.

Group CNigeria – Taye TaiwoAt 24 already a stalwart for his country and club, the Marseille left-back is highly regarded for his urgent, powerful defending and a thumping shot from open or set play. Arguably the best player in his position outside Europe’s top three leagues, he has attracted interest from Liverpool

Group CMozambique - SimaoHighly regarded at Greek team Panathinaikos, the defensive midfielder’s composed performances in the centre of midfield have not gone unnoticed. With experience of Champions League football, the 21-year-old will be a vital player

Group CBenin - Stephane SessegnonA star in French football for Paris St Germain, he has been linked several times with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. At 25 there is plenty to come from the midfielder who will be the lynchpin of the Benin midfield.

Group DCameroon - Nicholas N’KoulouAn athletic, 19-year-old central defender, left-back or right-back with a fierce shot who has already been scouted by a number of Europe’s leading clubs. His form for Monaco has been generally good, although lapses of concentration are not uncommon

Group DZambia - Rainford KalabaOne of the few Zambian internationals to ply his trade in Europe, Kalaba joined the Portuguese team Braga in 2008, though first-team appearances have been hard to come by for the diminutive playmaker

Group DTunisia - Aymen AbdennourA recent addition to the Tunisian line-up, the 20-year old left-back Abdennour has caught the eye with his domestic performances for Etoile Sportive du Sahel which earned him a recent trial with Werder Bremen.

Group DGabon- Pierre Emerick AubameyangThe Milan forward is the son of former Gabon international Pierre Aubameyang and switched to representing Gabon having played for the France under-21 side. Currently on loan at Lille, he has been utilised mainly as a substitute but he did score for Gabon against Morocco on his debut so they will be hoping from more of the same in Angola.